California Polytechnic State University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

The atmosphere of San Luis Obispo is very relaxed and friendly. The atmosphere in town is comfortable. Although SLO is a college town, it is also a tourist destination, so there are occasional tensions between college students, locals, and business people, but in general everyone gets along. Visit Bubblegum Alley, Bishop’s Peak, the “P,” the beaches, the men’s bathroom at the Madonna Inn, and Montana de Oro state park. The only other college in the area is a local junior college, Cuesta, but the majority of students there are attempting to get into Cal Poly anyway.

There are very few places that would be considered dangerous, but most stay clear of the nude beach (fortunately, it’s small). There are also increasing numbers of homeless people downtown. The students, especially those used to large cities, are disappointed by the lack of pop culture activities available. Most will come to enjoy the fact that outdoor activities are the norm here. Whether or not they are the athletic type, all students will end up trying some sort of physical activity, such as surfing, kayaking, hiking, or rock climbing. There are many opportunities to engage in all of these pastimes.

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Students Speak Out

CalRH says: California Polytechnic State University 2015 Business

The town atmosphere is unbeatable.... The town atmosphere is unbeatable. It feels like a sleepy little town, but it has big college town characteristics. The locals don't really like the students, but without the college they would have no infrastructure. In San Luis, the most fun things to do are free: There can utilize the hiking and walking trails, walk around downtown, and even drive to the many beaches that are just outside of town. There really aren't too many universities nearby. In fact, the closest to us is UCSB, which is about an hour or so away. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 25, 2009 Report

Cales says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Psychology

It is a college town, so you are... It is a college town, so you are not alone. It is so laid back that you will fit right in, whether you came from a small town or a big city. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 19, 2009 Report

CalBL says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Engineering

SLO is a rather small town, but... SLO is a rather small town, but there are lots of things to do. It's easy to get downtown with public transportation. Even though I don't have a car, it's easy to get around. I like going downtown and hanging out. UCSB is close, but I haven't visited there. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 16, 2009 Report

CalSF says: California Polytechnic State University 2016 Communication and Journalism

The town is sweet and friendly.... The town is sweet and friendly. The people are very nice to college students most of the time. There are tons of way to get involved and have fun downtown—from a farmers market to the bike happenings. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 09, 2009 Report

CalKM says: California Polytechnic State University 2015 Philosophy and Religion

It's a college town. Everyone... It's a college town. Everyone walking around town is usually your age, which is really fun. Downtown has a great Farmers Market every Thursday night. You can hike to the "P" or Bishop Peak, go to the beach, bike, run, and do a variety of outdoor activities. UC Santa Barbara is the closest school—about an hour and a half away—and they like to party over there, especially Halloween and Mardi Gras. 12345 Local Atmosphere: February 23, 2009 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about San Luis Obispo:
• San Luis was born when Father Junipero Serra founded the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in 1772, the fifth of 21 California missions.The original mission is now the centerpiece of downtown San Luis.
• One weekend in April, parking lots, driveways, and the town square downtown are roped off for the annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival. Artists gather with colored chalk to paint beautiful masterpieces on concrete.
• Every Thursday evening, Higuera, one of the main streets in town, closes down for one of the biggest farmers markets in California. It includes music, produce, crafts, and barbeques.
• San Luis is home to the elegantly quirky Madonna Inn. Each of the 108 guest rooms in this historic hotel is individually decorated with its own theme and color scheme. The men’s bathroom in the lobby alone is worth the visit—for gentlemen and ladies alike!
• Every year from October through March, the San Luis area (especially Pismo Beach) is host to thousands of Monarch butterflies, who consider this area to have the perfect climate for wintering in.

Local Slang:
AG – Arroyo Grande
Farmers – The weekly farmers market held every Thursday on Higuera Street, downtown SLO
The Grade – Steeply inclined, dangerous section of 101 just north of SLO that has been under construction for the past decade (and probably the next decade as well)
The PAC – Cal Poly’s Performing Arts Center
SLO – Common abbreviation of San Luis Obispo

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